February 27, 2012

One of my favorite things to do at the end of the summer is going to the State Fair. I love everything about the State Fair. I love the animals, the weird people, the silly games they have, the butter sculpture, the fancy decorated gourds, and the food. Oh, the food! State Fair food has got to be some of the best food available! Every year I look forward to trying some new and exciting foods at the State Fair..but I usually end up getting the same thing. Moochies meatball sandwich and Kettle Corn. I have tried the bagged Kettle Corn that you cook up in your microwave and have determined them to be rubbish. When I came across this recipe from Our Best Bites I had to give it a try. I am so glad I did because this turned out so well! It was delicious and I have now made it several times.

You will need Canola Oil, Popcorn, Salt, and Sugar.

Heat a pan over medium heat and wait until it gets good and warm.

Mix together the Sugar and Popcorn in a small bowl so it is ready to go.

Add the Oil to the hot pan and let it warm up.

Dump in the Popcorn/Sugar mixture.

Quickly stir around with a rubber spatula. Hustle cause you don't want to Corn to start popping!

Place the lid on the pot.

It's extra fun with a glass lid so you can watch as the action unfolds.

Stretch a clean dish towel over the top of the lid and hold onto it at each of the handles. Then shake vigorously. We are trying to coat the pieces so shake it like crazy. Then put it back on the burner.

Shake the mixture about every twenty seconds to avoid burnt sugar ruining your yummy Kettle Corn. When the corn is mostly popped remove from the heat. Give it a good stir.

Meanwhile, add the Popcorn kernels and Sugar to a small bowl and mix them together. The original recipe suggests that you watch the oil for it to smoke to make sure the oil is at the right temperature. I have tried and tried to see the smoke but have never been able to see it. Perhaps my pan is too shiny. So I just toss the Pop Corn kernels and Sugar mixture in when I feel it is hot enough. It has turned out great every time. Right after adding the corn/sugar you will want to give it a good quick stir. Then pop the lid on top of the pan.

Take a clean dish towel and stretch it from one pot handle to the other over the lid. Hold it securely with both hands and shake your pot vigorously for a couple of seconds. Replace on the heat and repeat this step about every twenty seconds.

The Corn will start popping and you will want to listen for it to slow down. When most of the corn is popped remove from the heat and stir right away. Sprinkle with the salt and stir it all together. Let cool a little to avoid hot sugar burns.

February 23, 2012

I love recipes that come together quickly and use pantry staples. I only had to buy two ingredients for this meal and my husband, baby, and I loved it. For some reason my 4 year old didn't like it much. Too bad for her this made enough for left overs. Bwahaha! Evil laugh aside..I think this dish was a hit. It is the Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe and that woman knows what she is doing. Give this a try and I think you will be as happy with it as I was.

Cook the Noodles according to package instructions to al dente. Shred the cooked chicken ( I used a rotisserie chicken but you could cook your own or do it like Pioneer Woman and cook the chicken and use your own broth)

Move the mixture from the mixing bowl into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with the remaining Shredded Cheese. Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes until the mixture is warmed all through and the Cheese is all bubbly and yummy.

February 20, 2012

I really like Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) and enjoy finding different ways to eat them. I used to only eat them when I went to a buffet in my salad. Now I love to eat them in so many different dishes. I came across this recipe and was very excited to give it a try. I am notorious for under seasoning foods because I am nervous to over do it. This turned out so perfectly and my whole family loved it.

Bring a pan of water to a boil then add the Chicken Breasts and cook until no longer pink. When the Chicken is fully cooked remove from water and shred or chop into bit sized bits.

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Oil, Garlic, and Red Pepper Flakes. Saute for a few minutes. Add the broth, Carrots, Salt & Pepper, and Italian Seasoning and bring to a boil. Stir in the Chickpeas, Chopped Chicken, and Pasta and stir everything together well. Gently boil 8-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.

February 15, 2012

Guess who is back to Christmas again. Yep..it's me. Now I am doing Christmas in February. Oh the shame. But this was too yummy and easy to not post about. For my Christmas cookie party I wanted a quick and easy snack for the ladies to munch on. I found this yummy looking recipe and I was so glad I did. Give it a try when you have a Christmas party and want something that whips up in minutes and can be made ahead.

You will need Crushed Candy Canes, Almond Bark, and Chex. I tired it with both Rice and Corn Chex.

I had crushed candy canes that my sister gave me as a gift.

Put the Chex in a large bowl.

Place the Almond Bark in a microwave safe dish and melt following package directions.

Pour the melted Almond Bark over the Chex.

Add in the Crushed Candy Canes.

Slowly and carefully fold everything together.

Transfer the Chex to a parchment covered baking sheet and spread out in a thin layer.

Sprinkle a little Crushed Candy Canes over the top.

Looking good but not done yet!

Drizzle a bit more of the melted Almond Bark over the top then give it a bit of time to harden.

Melt the White Almond Bark according to package instructions. Pour melted Almond Bark and half of the Crushed Candy Canes on top of the Chex. Carefully mix everything together.

Transfer from the bowl to a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Spread out into a thin layer and sprinkle the rest of the Crushed Candy Canes over the top. Melt a little more Almond Bark and drizzle over the top.

Allow to set up at least 20 minutes. Once set up break up into chunks.